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NUKU‘ALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, March 31, 2015) – An attempt by a major frozen chicken importer, Moapa Enterprises Ltd., to sue its shipping agent for defamation has backfired when it was found that the foreign-owned company was trading illegally in activities reserved for Tongans.

Rudra Prasad of Fiji, an owner of Moapa Enterprises Ltd., had filed the civil defamation claim for himself as first plaintiff and his company, as second plaintiff.

At an interlocutory hearing applied for by the defendants, Mr Justice Scott found that the second plaintiff Moapa Enterprises Ltd. could not claim damages from diminution of profits derived from trading in breach of the provisions of the Foreign Investment Act.

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (The Samoa News, March 31, 2015) – Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has directed Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale to look at the next step American Samoa can take on the issue of the Large Vessel Protected Area, which is reserved for local alia, but has been recommended to be amended to allow for fishing by the longliner fleet.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council earlier this month approved an LVPA amendment which would allow longliners to fish seaward of 12 nautical miles, with the provision that the measure be reviewed annually. The measure is subject to approval by the U.S. Commerce Secretary.

During the cabinet meeting last Thursday, the governor called the Council's vote to amend the LVPA "one of the most critical issues for the government" — adding that the Fono had approved the Senate concurrent resolution which...

APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, March 31, 2015) – The National University of Samoa (N.U.S) will confer an honorary degree on Emeritus Professor Maualaivao Albert Wendt on Thursday.

The honour will be bestowed during the University’s graduation ceremony to be held at the N.U.S gymnasium that day.

The decision to confer the honorary degree was confirmed in a letter signed by Leasiolagi Malama Meleisea, Director of the Centre for Samoan Studies at N.U.S.

A celebration to honour Professor Maualaivao will be held at Sails Restaurant after the graduation.

Born in 1939 in Apia, Samoa, Emeritus Prof. Maualaivao* is a Professor of English at the University of Auckland, and an acclaimed Samoan-born Novelist and Poet. He has been an influential figure in the developments that have shaped New Zealand and Pacific literature since the 1970’s.

Government undertaking ‘sectoral reform’ to support foreign investment

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, April 1, 2015) – Solomon Islands existing immigration and labour laws will come under review as part of easing the challenges affecting foreign investment in the country.

A statement from the Government Communication Unit said this step is one of the activities undertaken in the Government’s sectoral reform programs to strengthen the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Industries and Immigration.

"The legislative reforms are needed to provide the right environment for investment to grow and provide better incentives to attract investor confidence.

"The Government is also encouraging investors to tap public-private-partnerships by engaging with the Government to invest in the country’s productive sector."

Meanwhile, promoting and sustaining economic growth is one of the major interests of Solomon Islands and the Government fully agrees that Small...

SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, April 1, 2015) – Six months after the general election, the Government still thinks it is in election and campaign mode, says Opposition member and National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad.

Prof Prasad claimed the Government was indulging in "fear mongering" style of rhetoric in an attempt to promote dislike of the Opposition among the people of Fiji.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama retorted yesterday with the suggestion that Prof Prasad's comments should be put up a certain part of his anatomy.

Mr Bainimarama said the allegations from the Opposition member were "a big mouthful and coming from somebody who doesn't know one per cent from three and half per cent".

Prof Prasad claimed that the actions of Government were nothing but an attempt to disguise the fundamental concerns affecting the country, such as the...

THE Party, Pangu Pati push government to prioritize agriculture, industry

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, March 31, 2015) – Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) Party and Pangu Pati have joined forces.

Pangu Pati leader Sam Basil assured those who attended a fundraising dinner on Saturday that policies and visions would be determined by the desires and aspirations of citizens.

"Among other policies, agricultural industry skills based development will be the pillar while free education and free healthcare will be embed into the constitution and become a law," Basil said.

"It shall no longer become a political football and gimmick during national elections but an obligation of any future governments to serve people while focusing on improving infrastructures, training and service delivery only."

The Opposition coalition called on the Government to prioritise agriculture, agriculture processing and local manufacturing because those...

RAROTONGA, Cook Islands (Cook Islands News, March 31, 2015) – Vaipae-Tautu voters will cast their votes in Aitutaki today, not only to choose their own leader, but have a say in the future of the Cook Islands government.

There are more than 400 registered voters in the Vaipae-Tautu electorate, and voters will be heading to the Vaipae Sunday School Hall to cast their vote in the highly anticipated by-election.

For the first time in Cook Islands electoral history, Taggy Tangimetua said the final count of the Vaipae-Tautu by-election will be held in Aitutaki tomorrow. Usually all votes are retuned to Rarotonga for the final count.

"It makes sense to complete everything in Aitutaki since electoral officials managing the election are also trained to conduct the final count," Tangimetua said.

"I've been talking to one of our shelter cluster members who was explaining some really simple building techniques, using cross-bracing and galvanised tie down struts just to help people build back the way they know how to build but just a few simple techniques to really help make sure the infrastructure is stronger."

Pacific Islands Report is a nonprofit news publication of the Pacific Islands Development Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Offered as a free service to readers, PIR provides an edited digest of news, commentary and analysis from across the Pacific Islands region, Monday - Friday.